Hip-hop enthusiasts, get ready to dive deep into one of the genre’s most talked-about rivalries. Channel 4 is set to release Public Enemies: Kendrick vs. Drake, a documentary that explores the ongoing tension between two of the most iconic voices in contemporary music: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Produced by Acme Films and GroupM Motion Entertainment, this documentary promises to go beyond mere biography, delivering a cultural examination of how these two megastars’ careers and beef reflect the shifting landscape of modern music.
For fans of both artists, this isn’t just a recount of diss tracks and competitive bars—it’s an exploration of their journeys from their roots in Compton and Toronto to global superstardom. Kendrick Lamar, often revered as the poet of the people, has consistently used his platform to address racial injustice and challenge the status quo. Meanwhile, Drake, with his crossover appeal from his days as a teen actor to a global pop-rap sensation, has created a lane all his own, blending vulnerability and swagger in a way that resonates across genres.
Public Enemies will dig into how these two unique paths converged into rivalry, showcasing the context behind the beef. Archival footage and interviews with collaborators and industry insiders will offer viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what fueled the tension between Lamar and Drake. In particular, the documentary promises to examine the events of earlier this year, when the beef reached new heights with a series of diss tracks. Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” contained veiled accusations, including claims of pedophilia and disrespect toward the culture, while Drake clapped back with The Heart Part 6, addressing the allegations head-on.
This isn’t the first time Channel 4 has tackled rap rivalries. In 2017, the network released Public Enemies: Jay-Z vs. Kanye, which took a similar approach to exploring the complex relationship between those two rap icons. But as Acme Films’ creative director Jaimie D’Cruz noted, the Kendrick-Drake beef feels especially relevant in today’s cultural climate, where social media amplifies feuds and “beef is all around us.”
The upcoming documentary underscores the idea that rap beefs are more than just entertainment—they’re reflections of deeper cultural, social, and personal conflicts. For Black music fans, especially, the Kendrick vs. Drake story taps into broader discussions around authenticity, success, and the expectations placed on Black artists in a hyper-visible world.
As Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual for Channel 4, explains, Public Enemies: Kendrick vs. Drake “is not just a biography; it’s a cultural exploration of two of the most influential voices in modern music.” Both artists have shaped the sound and meaning of 21st-century hip-hop, and their rivalry offers a unique window into the changing nature of the music industry itself.
For those who grew up dissecting bars, following every subliminal message, and watching these two powerhouses redefine what it means to be a Black artist on the world stage, this documentary is a must-see. Kendrick and Drake’s rivalry isn’t just a clash between two rappers—it’s a reflection of the pressures, politics, and profound impact of Black artistry in a world where success often comes at a cost.